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  • Children injured in Russian strikes on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials say

    Children injured in Russian strikes on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials say

    In a devastating overnight attack, Russian airstrikes on Kyiv have left at least 14 people injured, including four children, according to Ukrainian officials. The assault targeted two high-rise residential buildings, though it remains unclear whether the structures were directly hit or damaged by falling debris. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the incident, while the city’s military administration reported that all victims are receiving medical care, with some requiring hospitalization.

  • Yamamoto helps Dodgers level World Series at 1-1

    Yamamoto helps Dodgers level World Series at 1-1

    In a stellar performance, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Will Smith led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a decisive 5-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, tying the best-of-seven World Series at 1-1. Yamamoto, the Japanese right-hander, delivered a masterclass on the mound, pitching a complete game with just 105 pitches. This marked his second consecutive complete game in the postseason, a feat not achieved since Curt Schilling in 2001. Meanwhile, catcher Will Smith was the offensive powerhouse, driving in three runs to secure the Dodgers’ win. The game, held at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, was a stark contrast to the high-scoring opener, with both teams locked in a pitching duel for much of the contest. The Dodgers struck early in the first inning when Smith brought Freddie Freeman home, but Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman dominated afterward, retiring 17 consecutive batters. The Blue Jays managed to level the score in the third inning with a sacrifice fly by Alejandro Kirk, but the Dodgers regained control in the seventh inning with back-to-back solo home runs by Smith and Max Muncy. The Blue Jays’ defense crumbled in the eighth inning, allowing the Dodgers to extend their lead with a wild pitch and another RBI from Smith. Yamamoto’s complete game ensured the Dodgers’ bullpen remained rested, setting the stage for the series’ shift to Los Angeles for the next three games. Game 3 is scheduled for Monday evening at Dodger Stadium.

  • Dubai traffic alert: 30-minute delay after accident on E311

    Dubai traffic alert: 30-minute delay after accident on E311

    A significant traffic delay has been reported on Dubai’s E311 highway following an accident late Saturday evening. The incident occurred on the road heading towards Sharjah, near Global Village, causing a 30-minute delay for commuters. Dubai Police issued an advisory at 10:02 PM, urging motorists to exercise caution while driving in the affected area. According to Google Maps, a 5.7-kilometer stretch that typically takes 5 minutes to traverse now requires 35 minutes due to the congestion. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the cause of the accident or any injuries sustained. Residents and travelers are advised to seek alternative routes or allow extra time for their journeys until the situation is resolved.

  • Japan successfully launches new cargo spacecraft to deliver supplies to International Space Station

    Japan successfully launches new cargo spacecraft to deliver supplies to International Space Station

    Japan’s space agency, JAXA, achieved a significant milestone on Sunday with the successful launch of its new flagship H3 rocket. The mission, which carried the unmanned HTV-X1 cargo spacecraft, marks Japan’s latest effort to deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch took place at the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan, where the HTV-X1 was successfully placed into its planned orbit. If all goes according to plan, the spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS in a few days, with Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui set to retrieve it using the station’s robotic arm. The HTV-X1 is the successor to JAXA’s H-II Transfer Vehicle, known as Kounotori, which completed nine missions to the ISS between 2009 and 2020. The new spacecraft boasts enhanced capabilities, including a larger payload capacity and the ability to supply power during flight, enabling the transport of sensitive lab samples requiring low-temperature storage. Additionally, the HTV-X1 can remain connected to the ISS for up to six months, delivering supplies and retrieving waste, before embarking on a three-month technical mission in orbit. The H3 rocket, which replaces the H-2A model, is designed to be more cost-competitive in the global space market, reflecting Japan’s commitment to establishing a stable and commercially viable space transport capability. Since its failed debut in 2023, the H3 has completed six consecutive successful flights, underscoring its reliability and potential for future missions.

  • UAE calls on Hajj pilgrims to complete health requirements for 2026 season

    UAE calls on Hajj pilgrims to complete health requirements for 2026 season

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a call to Hajj pilgrims planning to participate in the 2026 season to ensure they meet all health requirements set by both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat emphasized that the safety and well-being of pilgrims remain a top priority. The health prerequisites include the absence of specific conditions that could hinder the performance of Hajj rituals, such as major organ failure, neurological or psychological disorders, advanced dementia in the elderly, late-stage pregnancy, active infectious diseases like tuberculosis or hemorrhagic fevers, and ongoing cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Additionally, pilgrims must complete necessary immunizations, including vaccines for meningitis, seasonal influenza, and COVID-19, well in advance of the Hajj dates. The Awqaf UAE authority will review medical examination results and collaborate with health officials to ensure compliance with these requirements. The UAE has urged all pilgrims to strictly follow the health guidelines issued by the authorities in both countries to ensure a safe and healthy pilgrimage. The 2026 Hajj season has already seen significant interest, with over 72,000 applications submitted through the authority’s app and website before registration closed on October 9, 2025. The authority is currently reviewing preliminary applications and will contact approved applicants to complete the necessary procedures within specified timelines.

  • Video: RTA unveils Dubai Tram’s stunning new 20th-anniversary look

    Video: RTA unveils Dubai Tram’s stunning new 20th-anniversary look

    In a grand celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has unveiled a stunning new look for the Dubai Tram. The tram’s exterior has been transformed with a sleek dark blue design, prominently featuring the number ’20’ along its sides and the slogan ’20 Years Celebrating Moving Forward’ displayed in the center. This visual overhaul marks a significant milestone for the RTA, which has been at the forefront of enhancing Dubai’s public transportation system since its inception.

    In addition to the tram’s makeover, the RTA has introduced a series of celebratory offers and gifts for both residents and visitors. These include discounts on movie tickets, online orders, and unique experiences at various transport hubs. The initiative aims to engage the community and reflect on the RTA’s two decades of innovation and progress.

    Whether arriving at Dubai International Airport, boarding the tram, or traveling by Metro, passengers across the city are invited to join in the festivities. The RTA’s efforts underscore its commitment to not only improving transportation but also fostering a sense of unity and celebration among Dubai’s diverse population.

    The unveiling was shared on social media by the RTA, accompanied by a video showcasing the tram’s new design and the vibrant energy surrounding the anniversary. This event highlights the RTA’s dedication to continuous improvement and its role in shaping Dubai’s dynamic urban landscape.

  • East Timor formally admitted to ASEAN in the group’s first expansion since the 1990s

    East Timor formally admitted to ASEAN in the group’s first expansion since the 1990s

    In a landmark development for Southeast Asia, East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, was officially welcomed into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Sunday. This marks the bloc’s first expansion since the 1990s, symbolizing a significant stride towards regional inclusivity. With a population of just 1.4 million, East Timor is both the youngest and one of the poorest nations in the region. Its admission into ASEAN is expected to unlock access to free trade agreements, investment opportunities, and a broader regional market, which are crucial for diversifying its oil and gas-dependent economy. Historically, East Timor was a Portuguese colony for over four centuries before Indonesia’s invasion in 1975. Its integration into ASEAN underscores the bloc’s commitment to fostering unity and economic collaboration among its member states.

  • MS Swaminathan: The scientist who saved India from hunger

    MS Swaminathan: The scientist who saved India from hunger

    In 1965, a pivotal moment unfolded in Jaunti, a small village near Delhi, when a skeptical Indian farmer extended his trust to Dr. MS Swaminathan, a scientist who would later be celebrated as the ‘Godfather of the Green Revolution.’ This encounter marked the beginning of a transformative journey that reshaped India’s agricultural landscape and secured its food self-sufficiency. Swaminathan, born in 1925 in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, was deeply influenced by the devastating 1943 Bengal Famine, which claimed over three million lives. This tragedy propelled him to dedicate his life to agricultural science, aiming to develop high-yield crops that could combat hunger on a massive scale. After earning his PhD at Cambridge and collaborating with Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug, Swaminathan introduced Mexican wheat strains to India in 1963. By 1971, wheat yields had doubled, turning a nation on the brink of famine into a food surplus powerhouse. Swaminathan’s ‘farmer-first’ philosophy emphasized listening to farmers and adapting scientific solutions to their needs. His work extended beyond India, influencing agricultural practices across Southeast Asia, Africa, and even China. Despite the Green Revolution’s success, Swaminathan acknowledged its environmental costs and advocated for an ‘Evergreen Revolution’ that balanced productivity with ecological sustainability. His legacy, marked by science, compassion, and a relentless commitment to eradicating hunger, continues to inspire global agricultural innovation.

  • A humming annoyance or jobs boom? Life next to 199 data centres

    A humming annoyance or jobs boom? Life next to 199 data centres

    Loudoun County, Virginia, often referred to as ‘Data Center Alley,’ is home to nearly 200 data centres spanning 45 million square metres. These facilities, which power the internet and artificial intelligence, have become a cornerstone of the global digital economy. However, their rapid expansion has sparked significant concerns among local residents.

  • Iran declares major lender bankrupt in rare move

    Iran declares major lender bankrupt in rare move

    In an unprecedented move, Iran has declared Ayandeh Bank, one of its largest private financial institutions, bankrupt. The announcement, made on Saturday, marks a significant development in a country already grappling with severe international sanctions. Established in 2012, Ayandeh Bank boasted an extensive network of 270 branches nationwide, including 150 in Tehran alone. However, the bank had been struggling with mounting debts, with accumulated losses reaching approximately $5.2 billion and liabilities of around $2.9 billion, as reported by the ISNA news agency. The state-owned Melli Bank has now absorbed Ayandeh Bank’s assets following a directive from the Central Bank of Iran, which has assured depositors of the safety of their savings. ‘The transfer from Ayandeh Bank to Melli Bank is now complete,’ stated Melli Bank director Abolfazl Najarzadeh on state television. The bankruptcy was attributed to ‘bad debts,’ with over 90% of the bank’s funds reportedly allocated to related parties or internal projects that failed to generate returns, according to Hamidreza Ghaniabadi, an official at the Central Bank of Iran. Ayandeh Bank had been involved in ambitious ventures such as the Iran Mall shopping complex in Tehran, which features an ice rink and cinemas. The collapse of Ayandeh Bank is not an isolated incident, as five other Iranian banks—Sarmayeh, Day, Sepah, Iran Zamin, and Melal—are also facing financial difficulties. This development comes amid renewed international sanctions on Iran, reimposed by the United Nations in September after the breakdown of nuclear talks earlier this year. The sanctions, a ‘snapback’ of measures previously frozen under the 2015 nuclear deal, have further strained Iran’s economy, which has been under pressure since the U.S. withdrew from the agreement in 2018.